[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 14, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. SANDRA ORTEGA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2024

  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
selfless service and incredible accomplishments of Dr. Sandra Ortega, a 
United States Air Force Veteran and retired Chief Master Sergeant. She 
was the first African-American woman to join the Air Force in 1958.
  Under the direct commission of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Dr. 
Ortega dedicated her military career and life after serving to 
improving the lives of countless military families and communities. It 
was in the Air Force where she challenged and broke down racial and 
gender stereotypes and barriers. During her service, Dr. Ortega worked 
as the Chief of Social Actions where she implemented programs to help 
servicemembers and their families remain as constructive members of 
their military community and educate them on drug and alcohol addiction 
prevention. Her service has had ripple effects across New Jersey and 
the Nation.
  Not only did Dr. Ortega dedicate her life to serving our country, she 
has worked to improve the lives of communities around the world. She 
worked to improve education and health infrastructures across Africa, 
rebuild and stabilize communities in the former Soviet Union after its 
dissolution, and other emergency management and relief efforts in 
disaster-stricken communities.
  Dr. Ortega earned a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Ball State 
University, an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Morgan State University, 
and a Ph.D. in Sociology from La Salle University. Today, she spreads 
her love for, and the importance of, education through her role as an 
Adjunct Professor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New 
Jersey.
  The scope of Dr. Ortega's work has touched so many lives, including 
some in my home of Burlington County. A resident of Marlton, she has 
been elected three times as the Democratic Committeewoman representing 
Evesham Township, New Jersey in the Burlington County Democratic 
Committee.
  Dr. Ortega not only excelled at serving her country and community, 
but she is a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was married to 
her late husband, Julio Ortega, for over 60 years and has four 
daughters and nine grandchildren.
  While many community members locally know Dr. Sandra Ortega and her 
positive impact in our community, today I'm proud to honor her tenure 
as a public servant and veteran of the United States Air Force. We are 
lucky to have her inspiration in our community.

                          ____________________